Look Me in the Eye

Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger's is a memoir written by John Elder Robison, detailing his life with Asperger syndrome and his experiences growing up feeling different from others. The book was published in 2007 and has since been a source of inspiration and understanding for both individuals on the autism spectrum and neurotypical readers. Robison's narrative provides a unique insight into the mind of someone living with Asperger's, a form of autism spectrum disorder characterized by difficulties in social interaction and nonverbal communication, alongside restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests.

Synopsis

Look Me in the Eye recounts John Elder Robison's life from his troubled childhood through to his adult years, exploring the challenges and triumphs he faced. The memoir begins with Robison's early memories of social isolation, his struggles with understanding social cues, and his difficulties in school. Despite these challenges, Robison possesses a remarkable talent for mechanical and electrical engineering, which becomes a recurring theme throughout the book.

Robison details his experiences working as a sound engineer for popular rock bands, including KISS, and inventing electronic toys for Milton Bradley. He also discusses his role in the development of the famous guitar special effects used in the KISS song "God of Thunder." The memoir then transitions into Robison's adult life, focusing on his journey of self-discovery, his diagnosis with Asperger's syndrome at the age of 40, and how this diagnosis helped him understand his past and improve his relationships with his family and others.

Themes

The book delves into several key themes, including the importance of acceptance, the value of embracing one's differences, and the power of self-discovery. Robison's story is a testament to the idea that being different does not mean being less and that understanding and acceptance can come from within and from others.

Reception

Look Me in the Eye has been widely praised for its honest and often humorous portrayal of living with Asperger's syndrome. Critics and readers alike have lauded Robison's ability to provide insight into the autistic mind, making the memoir an invaluable resource for those seeking to understand more about autism spectrum disorders.

Impact

The memoir has had a significant impact on raising awareness about Asperger's syndrome and autism spectrum disorders more broadly. It has been used in educational settings and has been recommended by autism advocacy groups as a must-read for anyone looking to gain insight into the experiences of those on the autism spectrum.

See Also

• Autism spectrum
• Memoir
• Asperger syndrome
• John Elder Robison